A day trip to Heidelberg is the perfect addition to any trip to Frankfurt. Just an hour away by train, the charming city offers a mix of fairytale architecture, rich history, and scenic riverside views – all easily explored in just a day.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to plan a day trip to Heidelberg – from how to get there from Frankfurt, the best things to do, and a suggested itinerary! So if you’re thinking of spending one day in Heidelberg, here’s exactly how to do it.
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Is Heidelberg worth visiting?
Heidelberg is absolutely worth visiting! The charming city is one of the best day trips from Frankfurt, and with historic architecture, a picturesque old town, and romantic streets, it’s also considered one of the most beautiful places in Germany!
There’s plenty to do with one day in Heidelberg, including the famous Heidelberg Castle, the Philosopher’s Path, and lots of other cultural delights.
How to get to Heidelberg from Frankfurt
The best way to get to Heidelberg from Frankfurt is by train. Direct trains from Frankfurt Hbf to Heidelberg Hbf take around one hour and run roughly once an hour throughout the day.
When taking the train to Heidelberg from Frankfurt, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. You can save a lot of money this way – when booking in advance, you can find tickets for €10 each way, compared to around €30 each way when bought on the day.
The best things to do on a day trip to Heidelberg
On a day trip to Heidelberg, you’ll be able to see all the city’s best attractions. From the charming streets of the old town to historic spots and picturesque views, here are the best things to do in Heidelberg in one day.
Heidelberg Old Town / Alstadt
Heidelberg’s old town houses all the city’s main attractions amongst colourful, picturesque streets. Along the mile-long main street (Hauptstraße) and the surrounding area, you can see churches, the famous university, shops, and various market squares.
Plus, make sure you take some time to explore all the hidden side streets to see some beautiful buildings and discover hidden gems.
Heidelberg Castle
Sitting on a hill above the old town, Heidelberg Castle dominates Heidelberg’s skyline and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Although now in ruins, the castle, which dates back to the 12th century, was once one of the most impressive Renaissance structures in Northern Europe.
You can visit the castle to explore the courtyard, with a complex of beautiful buildings and ruins. Plus, you’ll get access to the pharmacy museum, barrel cellar, and the funicular railway too. There’s also plenty to see for free – you can enjoy the walk up to the castle and see the exterior up close. Plus, check out the castle gardens for panoramic views over Heidelberg.
Heiliggeistkirche
Heiliggeistkirche, or the Church of the Holy Spirit, is the largest church in Heidelberg. Found right in the heart of the old town, the Gothic structure is made of striking red sandstone brick, making it an unmissable part of the city’s main market square. There’s also a church tower which you can climb and enjoy views over the old town.
The church has an interesting history and has changed hands some ten times throughout its existence. It has celebrated Lutheranism, Catholicism, Protestantism and more, and was once a space for both Catholics and Protestants, with a wall separating the worship spaces.
Heidelberg’s market squares
Heidelberg’s Altstadt is dotted with picturesque market squares, each with its own charm and story. You’ll find three squares close together that you can easily visit on your Heidelberg day trip – Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, and Karlsplatz.
Kornmarkt is a small, peaceful square, which you’ll pass by on the way to Heidelberg Castle. The square is bordered on one side by Heidelberg’s city hall, and in the middle stands an ornate Madonna statue dating back to 1718.
In contrast to the quiet atmosphere of Kornmarkt, just a few steps away lies Heidelberg’s main and busiest market square – Marktplatz. Sharing the Rathaus (city hall) with its neighbour, you’ll also find Heiliggeistkirche dominating the west side of the square. There are weekly markets here (including the city’s Christmas market during the winter months), plus many cafés and bars – so there’s always something going on!
Once the home of a Franciscan monastery, Karlplatz is now a spacious square offering postcard-worthy views of Heidelberg Castle. Surrounding the square, you’ll find several prestigious university buildings and fraternities. Plus, check out the modern fountain in the centre of the square, dedicated to Sebastian Münster, a monk who spent several years in the ancient monastery.
Old Bridge
One of the main attractions in Heidelberg is the Old Bridge, or Alte Brücke, linking the old town to the northern side of the city. Built from local sandstone (the same type that was used for Heidelberg Castle), the bridge is a symbol of Heidelberg, dating back to the 18th century – although it had to be rebuilt after heavy bombing in WWII.
When crossing the bridge, you’ll pass under the medieval city gate, and by a statue of Karl Theodor, the Elector who commissioned the bridge back in the 1700s. And if you’re heading away from the old town, make sure you turn and look behind you to spot one of the best views of Heidelberg Castle in the city.
Philosopher’s Path
To enjoy stunning panoramic views over Heidelberg, take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path (Philosophenweg) on the north side of the city. You can walk in the footsteps of countless philosophers, poets and writers who were drawn to the romantic Heidelberg and inspired by the peaceful, nature-filled pathway they eventually gave their name to.
Starting with a short but steep climb on either side, the roughly 2km path runs from the Theodor Heuss Bridge to the Old Bridge. Look out for the Philosopher’s Garden (Philosophengärtchen), an exotic, Mediterranean-style garden on the hilltop.
Heidelberg University
Much of Heidelberg’s popularity is due to its university. Heidelberg University, known officially as the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, is one of the oldest universities in the world, and one of the most prestigious in Europe. The university’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Heidelberg – from those who walked the Philosopher’s Path to the generations-old student pubs, and so much more.
The main hub of Heidelberg University is the Universitätsplatz – home to the old university. Here you’ll find the University Museum and the fascinating Studentenkarzer, a former student prison frozen in time, with drawings and signatures detailing the ‘inmates’ that stayed here.
Check out some more things to do in Heidelberg!
Suggested one day in Heidelberg itinerary
Arriving into Heidelberg Hbf, start your day trip to Heidelberg with a stroll through the city centre, making your way towards the old town. You’ll pass by some shops, so feel free to stop for a browse along the way! When you reach Heidelberg Alstadt, admire the cobbled streets and town squares. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town in a bit, but first, head to Heidelberg Castle.
Walk up to Heidelberg Castle or opt for the funicular railway, and admire the stunning panoramic views over the city. You can take a tour inside Heidelberg Castle, or opt to just admire it from the outside – either way, don’t miss the castle gardens!
Now, it’s time to see the highlights of Heidelberg’s old town. After exploring the castle, make your way back down the hill, and pay a visit to Heiliggeistkirche and the city’s market squares. Venture down any side streets that catch your eye, and you might stumble upon some secret hidden gems and charming spots. You can also grab some lunch – try Wirtshaus am Uniplatz on the main street for some German food.
After lunch, cross the Old Bridge, admiring the views of Heidelberg Castle behind you as you go. You’ll arrive to the start of the Philosopher’s Path, from where you can take a relaxing, peaceful stroll with beautiful views of the city below you. If the weather is nice, grab a drink on the patio at River Café at the end of your walk – it’s the perfect sun spot!
For the last activity of the day, head back to the old town to check out Heidelberg Univeristy. You’ll want to visit Universitätsplatz, with the University Museum and the student prison (Studentenkarzer). Then grab some souvenirs and take a final stroll to round out your day trip to Heidelberg.
